FYI Ashland

The winter season is right around the corner, soon to usher in cold temperatures, snow and ice for many people across the country. There are plenty of people who revel in the idea of frolicking over snow-capped hills or skating on a frozen pond, but many others hope winter passss them by rather quickly.

All across North America, home builders tend to agree that the better real estate investments -- for both the occupant and for future re-sale value -- may be best served by a whole new approach to construction. 

 

Cooler days are on the horizon. As the mercury drops, energy consumption to heat the home tends to rise. Individuals concerned about making environmentally friendly heating choices may wonder just what can be done to stay green -- and save some green in the process.

 

The average North American homeowner spends about $800 to $1000 for the winter season heating his or her home. Those who rely on natural gas tend to spend less overall than homeowners who use propane, electric or oil to fuel their furnaces. Reducing reliance on heating fuel benefits the planet and most people's wallets.

Commuting is a part of daily life for many working professionals. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2011 American Community Survey, the average American spends 25 minutes commuting to work each day. However, Citi's 2015 ThankYou Premier Commuter Index says the average commute time in the United States is 45 minutes. The reasons for that disparity are unknown, though if one accepts the latter statistic as more accurate than the years-old Census Bureau data, it's fair to say Americans spend far more time getting to work than their neighbors to the north. But commutes in Canada also can be lengthy, as Canada's National Household Survey found that, in 2011, commuters in Canada spent an average of roughly 25 minutes traveling to work each day.